No Smiles in N.J.—at Least Not on Licenses

New Jersey drivers may think that it's on the roadways where no smiles exist when it comes to driving.

In fact, it's on your license that you actually can't show your pearly whites. Or, at least in a manner the state Motor Vehicle Commission deems too extreme.

According to a report on Philly.com, a Sicklerville resident did not take kindly when she found out about the law, opting at first to walk out of the facility she was renewing her license at.

The law has actually been around since January. According to the report, it was put into place because of new face recognition software the state has implemented. The software can recognize licenses with identical faces, but with different names, helping to flag those attempting to commit fraud. But exaggerated expressions—and smiles—can help prevent the software from picking up the similarities.

What's your opinion on the law? Is it over the top to ask New Jersey residents from giving a big grin on their licenses? Or is it necessary to make sure that licenses are as secure as possible?

One more note: the woman who walked out apparently is going back to the MVC, just with a more demure smile.